NARRATIVE OF THE CRUISE 143 



smoothness with which vessels are handled in the locks. The 

 little electric mules gave us a few kicks now and then to keep us 

 in line, but otherwise we came through in great style. 



While passing the bird sanctuary in Gatun Lake, someone had 

 the bright idea that this might be the only chance on our cruise to 

 have a fresh-water shower-bath on deck. The response was 

 instantaneous. What a glorious sensation to feel real lather on 

 one's skin again! We were so preoccupied with this rare treat 

 that we were oblivious to the gazing of passengers of passing ships. 

 They would have forgiven this exhibition if they had realized 

 the luxury of a real bath on a sailing ship. 



By nightfall we had nosed our way to a berth beside a sub- 

 marine at the Balboa docks. We had thus concluded the North 

 Atlantic portion of our cruise. Everyone was gratified with the 

 progress we had been making in the scientific work. Even the 

 members of the party themselves sometimes wondered how eight 

 men could keep so many irons hot. Work had yielded interesting 

 and useful results in magnetism, electricity, meteorology, phys- 

 ical and chemical oceanography, biology, and in a multitude of 

 minor studies. As we stepped ashore in Balboa we were paid a 

 flattering compliment by the Captain of the Port, who said that 

 in his opinion the Carnegie has contributed more to science than 

 all the front-page expeditions put together that have passed 

 through the Canal. 



PANAMA TO EASTER ISLAND TO CALLAO 



We were at once extended every courtesy by the officials of the 

 Canal Zone. The splendid facilities of the great commissary- 

 stores were made available to us. We were invited to make our- 

 selves at home in the Balboa Community House, as well as in the 

 several social clubs in Panama City — the Union, Century, and 

 Miramar clubs. The Gorgas Hospital staff made arrangements 

 for operating on one of our seamen. Wherever we turned we 

 found willing hands to aid. The Carnegie was no stranger here, 

 it is true; she had already passed through the Canal four times. 



The work on board was abnormally heavy in this port. Be- 

 sides preparing records as usual, we had to pack and ship all the 



